The 5-team NBA trade to finally solve the Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler problem | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours

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WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 16: Johnny Davis #1 of the Washington Wizards warms up before the game against the Phoenix Suns on January 16, 2025 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTICE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and or using this photograph, User consents to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)

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IN: Johnny Davis, 2028 first round pick (worst of BKN, PHI, WAS and PHX)

Out: 2025 first round pick

After signing Alex Caruso to a four-year, $81.1 million extension, the Thunder won’t have the long-term budget or minutes to develop all the players they draft in 2025. Davis wouldn’t put them in the luxury tax and could get a fresh start in Oklahoma City, or the Thunder could let him go either immediately or after the season.

With 2-3 picks in the 2025 draft (depending on protections), the Thunder are considering trading some of them for future picks. The one from Miami is currently projected to be in the 12-16 range, but could be lower if the Heat and Suns improve after the deal.

Butler may be talented, but Miami would add depth in this deal and consistently tends to overachieve. Instead, the Thunder would get a 2028 first-rounder from teams (the lowest of the Wizards, Nets, 76ers or Suns) in uncertain long-term positions.

If anything, the Thunder get another pick that they can then flip and trade for more picks later, which seems to be their modus operandi.

One final reminder: This concept falls apart if Beal refuses to participate. So Bradley, let’s get this done.